Walk from Feynan to Jerusalem
Trip Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Group Size : 16
Physical Rating :
Moderate : A reasonable level of fitness is required, as these trips can require sustained endurance levels along steep trails and uneven paths. Canyoning trips may include few abseils (rappels), long hikes and occasional climbs. Biking trips include a series of up and downhills but nothing too strenuous. A support vehicle will be always available so weary travelers will be able to hitch a ride. A typical trekking day would be walking 4 to 5 hours a day including a 2 hour ascending a mountain.
Welcome to Terhaal Adventures. We've designed these journeys to help you explore the very best of Jordan. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions about the trip. We're here to help. Enjoy!
Itinerary Disclaimer
The holiday itinerary set out below offers a good overview of the trip, but should be taken as a general guide only. We're continually improving these tours, and it's possible we will adjust the itinerary to take advantage of new opportunities or to avoid adverse weather or difficulties with transportation. We recommend that you print out a copy of the trip details a couple of days prior to departure, in case there have been any changes that may affect your plans.
The information in this document does not form part of the contract between the client and Terhaal Adventures.
Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to begin your trip as scheduled, please contact us immediately at one of the following numbers:
+962(0)77 751 5919
+962(0)79 879 5680
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival
Welcome to Jordan! we will be waiting at Amman (AMM) airport to take you directly to
your hotel in Amman – a 40-minute drive. There are no activities planned for today.
Please keep in mind that hotel check-in time is typically after 2.00 pm. Early check in is
not guaranteed, but if you do arrive early luggage storage is available at the hotel.
There will be time to rest and settle in before you meet your tour guide for the trip.
He’ll be happy to answer any questions about the journey, and to make sure you’re
briefed on the program for tomorrow. Overnight: Hotel in Amman (3 stars) Meals: None
Day 2 : Trek From Wadi Feynan to Shkiret Msa'ed
Very early morning, we will be transferred to Wadi Feynan, where we will meet our
trekking crew,then we will transfer by jeeps (the only necessary transfer in this trip
avoiding a long flat walk through an arid desert landscape) to the trail head of today's
hike. Leaving the stony ‘hamada' desert behind, there is a steep ascent across rocks
and small boulders which eventually leads to a twisting goat herder's track. The initial
uphill section takes approximately 3 hours. The track leads up into the mountains
through a narrow and dramatic valley with wonderful views eastwards towards the
Wadi Araba Desert. This is a steep and challenging section of the route, but extremely
rewarding, as we finally reach the top of a high saddle. The descent to the river
valley beyond is on a well-defined trail through rocky surroundings. On reaching the dry
riverbed, we turn upstream traversing a rocky valley side, gradually ascending by way
of dry wadis and indistinct cols. Look out for the elusive ibex in this remote area. The
trail continues along the wadi floor and gently climbs up into the pale coloured
sandstone mountains of the Petra region. The climb from the valley to the escarpment
(where Petra is situated) is gentle and beautiful with a slight uphill climb towards the
end across bare rock slabs. We camp at the col of Shkaret Msei'd. Overnight: Camp out
in Shkiret Msa'ed Meals: B, L, D
Day 3 : Trek to Petra - Dinner and Camp in Wadi Rum
Leaving the campsite at Shkaret Msei'd the scenery changes dramatically.We leave the
narrow, confining wadis behind and find ourselves amongst wide-open sandstone hills
that have something of the feel of a moonscape. The rock is smooth and soft and
despite there being no apparent trail the terrain is easy to negotiate, with wide tracks
and walkways. The Nabatean influence is apparent here and the first cut steps can be
seen. The trail passes through Bedouin encampments, before reaching another rocky
area where the track once again becomes indistinct, with interesting route-finding and
easy scrambling. We descend into Beidha. The walk from here to Petra will
take between 2 and 3 hours, with the initial walk across open farmland. The route then
follows a well-defined mountain track with fantastic views across to the Araba Desert,
some 100 km / 60 miles away. The views are impressive and with the exception of one
short (2 metre) section a head for heights is not necessary. The walk into Petra is
magnificent and is the culmination of 3 days of hard walking. The initial glimpse ofthe
top of the Monastery, as it comes into view through the mountains, has a similar effect
of the first glimpse of the Treasury from the Siq. We will then trek down from the
Monastery and explore the sites along until we reach to the beautiful Treasury
monument. From there we walk out of the Siq and reach the visitors center marking the
end of our trek. Then we will meet our driver and continue to Wadi Rum, every
guidebook to Wadi Rum repeats the description written by T.E. Lawrence of Arabia
almost century ago, and with good reason. “The Arab armies would have been lost in
the length and breadth of it,” he wrote, “and within the walls a squadron of aeroplanes
could have wheeled in formation. Our little caravan grew self-conscious, and fell dead
quiet, afraid and ashamed to flaunt its smallness in the presence of such stupendous
hills. Landscapes, in childhood’s dream, were so vast and silent.”
Bedouin guides from the Howeitat tribe (the same tribe that guided Lawrence) will meet
you at Rum Village and drive you by jeep into this spectacular desert. You’ll spend the
afternoon exploring Wadi Rum’s mountains and sand dunes, stopping to take in the
views and to look at the inscriptions chipped into the rock over thousands of years. In
the late afternoon you’ll arrive at your camp in the heart of the protected area, where
there’ll be time to relax and take in the sunset before enjoying a Bedouin feast of meat
and vegetables cooked in the zerb, an oven of fire-heated sand and stone. If you’re still
not tired out by the day’s adventures you can stay up round the fire, talking and
laughing with your Bedouin hosts and watching the night sky.
Your accommodation is a simple but comfortable Bedouin campsite, with a traditional
goat hair tent divided into twin ‘rooms.’ There are proper toilets and showers on the
site (go easy on the water), as well as shaded seating areas for relaxing and dining.
Overnight: Simple Bedouin Camp in Wadi Rum. Meals: B, L, D
Day 4 : Jeep Tour & Short Walk - Dead Sea
Today’s journey combines short hikes with jeep rides, enabling you to see the best of
Wadi Rum. We begin with a half hour off-road drive into the desert, before leaving the
jeeps behind and hiking about 45 minutes past the rock arch at Jebel Umm Fruth.
Another 15 minutes in the jeeps brings us to the Abu Khashaba canyon, where we’ll
take a walk to admire the eroded forms and colors of the cliffs. The jeeps will then take
you out around the massif of Jebel Burda, where you’ll be able to scramble around on
the sandstone and see the rock arch on the summit. Not far from here we’ll enjoy a
picnic in the shade, followed by Bedouin tea made on the fire.
After lunch and a little siesta, you’ll head off again by jeep heading towards the red
dunes. On the way there’s a chance to see one of Rum’s oldest works of rock art, a
depiction of a camel caravan crossing the desert. When you reach the dune you can
kick off your shoes and run down the soft, warm sand. At the end of the day your local
guide will drop you off at Rum village, we will meet our driver and head down to the
Dead Sea, and have the chance to float in its warm, intensely saline water. It is an
unforgettable experience! The Dead Sea is the lowest point on the surface of the earth
(some 400m below sea level) and contains mineral-rich muds that have been
recognized since antiquity for their curative properties. This mud costs a fortune in
Europe, but in Jordan you can scoop it from the seabed and cover yourself with it! The
blue water, the white salt-encrusted shore, and the red desert mountains also make
this an outstandingly beautiful place.
Overnight: Hotel in the Dead Sea (4 stars)
Meals: B, L
Day 5 : Transfer to Allenby Bridge- Cross to Jericho & Visit Nablus
After Breakfast, you will be transferred to King Hussein Bridge ( Allenby Bridge) , you
will cross the bridge and continue your tour to Nablus , we will explore the winding
market streets, Sufi shrines and the Old City of Nablus, Dinner in Nablus and overnight
at a hotel in Nablus.
Overnight: 3-star hotel in Nablus
Day 6 : AWARTA TO DUMA
After breakfast, bus transfer from Nablus to the village of Awarta. We will begin our
walk in Awarta, along the Masar Ibrahim al Khalil - the Abraham Path. We will head
south through Palestine’s northern highlands, a cultivated Mediterranean landscape of
olive groves, wheat fields and limestone villages. There is an interesting exploration of
various herbs and traditional plant medicine to be experienced along the way. A
traditional Palestinian lunch will be served by a local family in Aqraba. In the evening,
we arrive in Duma. Dinner and overnight by local families in Duma village
Overnight: HOMESTAY WITH FAMILIES IN DUMA
Day 7 : AUJA TO Jericho
Transfer to Ein Samia, and head south, walking most of the day towards the Auja
Valley, which brings us to the Jordan River Valley just north of Jericho. Here, we will
spend the night in the black goat hair tents of the Bedouin, whose way of life has
remained unchanged for millennia, but who now find themselves forced to the very
margins of society. Our stay as guests here is helping these families to find new ways
to maintain old traditions. We will have lunch with the Bedouins and then transfer to
visit the old city of Jericho Overnight: Hotel in Jericho
Day 8 : NEBI Musa- Mar Saba to Bethlehem
Transfer from the hotel in Jericho just south to the shrine of
Nebi Musa to begin our walk through the desert landscape that
rises to the west of the Dead Sea. The path brings us to the edge of the Kidron Valley
or Wadi al Joz, a deep limestone canyon, from where we can see the even more remote and spectacular Greek Orthodox desert monastery of Mar Saba which was built into the cliff face on the opposite side of the ravine.
The monastery, founded by Saint Sabas of Cappadocia in 483, hosts one of the oldest Christian communities anywhere in the world, and is still home to approximately 20 Greek Orthodox monks. Shepherds’ tracks take us deep into the canyon, across the riverbed, and
back up towards the monastery. Transfer to Bethlehem where we will visit the Nativity
Church. Overnight: Hotel in Bethlehem
Day 9 : Tequ’a to Rashaydeh
We will transfer the group to Tequa’ village, descending into the spectacular Wadi Jihar – a deep limestone canyon that wind down into the desert towards the Dead Sea.
The walk will be from Tequ’a to arab al rashaydeh village and have lunch with the bedouins, then we transfer the group to al rashaydeh Bedouin tent to spend the night with a Bedouin family in a Bedouin tent.
Overnight: with the Bedouin community at Rashaydeh
Day 10 : Tequ’a to Rashaydeh
We transfer the group to Hebron for a brief walk through the Old City and to the
Abraham Mosque and lunch at the old city. After that we will transfer them to
Jerusalem for a tour in the Old City of Jerusalem: walking the Via Dolorosa, visiting holy
sites, shopping in the bazaar. After a light lunch in the Old City, dinner and overnight in
Jerusalem.
Overnight: Hotel at Jerusalem
Day 11 : Departure
Inclusions
Transportation: Transportation according to the itinerary above in an Air-conditioned
tourist transport bus. Accommodation: 1nt in 3 star hotel, 1nt in 4 star hotel, 1nt
camping out in the desert, 1nt in a Bedouin camp. Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2
Dinners. (As per itinerary above; B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner) Guides:
Licensed English speaking guide throughout the trip, local trekking guide from Wadi
Feynan to Petra, local Bedouin guide in Wadi Rum. Entrance Fees: 1 day entrance
fee to Petra, entrance to Wadi Rum. Activities: Trekking, Jeep Tour , sightseeing.
Other Inclusions: all trekking equipment (excluding personal equipment)
Exclusions
Flights
Visa to Jordan and Palestine
Travel insurance
Drinks
Tips.
Equipment
The following is a basic checklist to help you with your packing. We recommend using the layering principle of clothing for varying climatic conditions. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.
You must bring the following items:
2/3 season sleeping bag *
Hiking boots/Approach shoes
Water bottles - 1 litre/1 quart x 2 (2 litres total)
Training shoes or sandals for sightseeing and camp use
Socks
Trekking trousers / pants
Lightweight waterproof overtrousers / rainpants
Underwear
Travel pants
At least 1 long sleeve shirt with collar (for sun protection)
T-shirts
Warm jacket (eg. Fleece)*
Lightweight windproof / waterproof jacket
Sunhat
Warm hat (for chilly evenings in the desert)
Sunglasses
Daypack of approx. 30 litres / 1800 cubic inches capacity
Headtorch / headlamp with spare bulb and batteries
Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
Lighter/matches - for burning toilet paper
Washbag and toiletries
Insect repellant
Antibacterial handwash (note that washing water can be limited in the desert)
Basic First Aid Kit including: A broad spectrum antibiotic, antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, Insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).
The following items are optional
Shorts**
Small towel
Sleeping bag liner
Thermarest (a foam mattress is provided)
Trekking poles
Pocket-knife (note: always pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
Repair kit - (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)
Small padlock (to lock your KE trek bag)
Camera, film / memory cards, batteries
Swimming shorts/costume (if extending at the Red or Dead Sea)
Spare laces
Notes
*For the November - February trips when night-time temperatures can fall below freezing in the desert, we recommend a 4 season sleeping bag, a warmer jacket such as a down-filled jacket, and thermal baselayers.
**As Jordan is an Islamic country, modest dress is preferable in the towns and cities. Shoulders should be kept covered, and full-length trousers/skirts are recommended. Knee-length shorts are OK once on trek.
What to Take
During the trip your baggage will be carried by bus and by 4WD vehicles. The only baggage weight limit is that imposed by the airline. However, we ask that you restrict your luggage to one main bag plus a small daypack. In general we recommend that you travel as light as possible as this will make transiting between airports and carrying your bag to hotel rooms a lot easier for you. You may find that wheeled luggage is more convenient on a trip of this nature.
Temperatures in Jordan can be hot, with little rain from late spring through until late autumn. The heat can become extreme during the summer months of July and August. In the months of November to March it can be cool at night, particularly in the desert where the temperatures can drop to 5C or even less. Even in the hot months out in the desert it can get cold at night.
Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country and tends to be quite conservative, so you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline, shoulders and knees should be covered at all times.
A light water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat is essential. From mid November to late February, a sleeping bag is essential for your nights in the desert. At other times a sleeping sheet will suffice. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the heat.
Check List
> Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets etc.
> Health requirements arranged
> Money: travelers cheques/cash/credit card
> Money pouch
> First aid kit
> Backpack to carry your personal needs during the day(the type with a lower-back pad support and waist strap are very much recommended)
> Alarm clock and torch/flashlight (headlights are best)
> Insect repellent
> Ear plugs can be useful
> Tampons can be difficult to buy in rural areas or in the desert
> Lock for your bag
> Bedding - a bed sheet to be used over the mattress provided in the desert- the travel bed sack is even better
> Sleeping bag if you wish - mattresses and blankets are available in the desert
> Small travel towel - for use in the desert
> Your personal hygiene kit
> Toilet paper
> Eye shades
> Hiking shoes
> Foot powder or Vaseline can be useful against blisters.
> Sandals
> Light clothes; long sleeves and light colors are advisable in summer time
> A hat or head dress that also covers the neck
> Warm clothes for cooler nights
> Sun protection lotion
> Dates, fruits, or candy bars (to provide instant calories during outdoor activities)
> Water flask
> Insect repellent
Safety
Jordan is generally considered a safe country. There is very little petty crime here, especially in rural areas. However, we recommend you take normal precautions to ensure your safety and that of your belongings, as you would for any other destination. Take good care of your passport, wallet, and other valuables. In crowded streets, keep your bag closed and in front of you. There will be free time during this trip - you can always ask your local guides for their advice about where to go and what to avoid. Please make sure you have adequate footwear and clothing for the hiking trips you will be taking.
Hospitality
Jordanians are famously friendly and welcoming towards guests, especially in rural areas. It is quite normal for Jordanians to invite foreigners in to drink tea or have a meal in the family home. Meeting the local people in spontaneous encounters of this sort is one of the great pleasures of travelling in Jordan.
Ramadan
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. Business hours are shortened, including opening hours at all tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours [except in 5-Star Hotels] and many restaurants will be closed. While you definitely need to expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month of Ramadan is a fantastic time to travel to Jordan as you'll be able to participate in the feasting and holiday atmosphere that follows the breaking of the fast as sunset each day. You'll also get to taste special sweets that are only baked for Ramadan. You do not have to fast, and no-one will expect you to; however, you should try to eat and drink discreetly, if possible, rather than in crowded public places.
Visas
Most nationalities are able to obtain a single-entry visa at the airport, at the land borders, or at the port in Aqaba, valid for 14 days and costing JOD 40. However, you should consult the Jordanian embassy in your home country to make sure you are not subject to any special visa requirements.
Departure tax
You will be required to pay a JOD 5 Departure Tax upon leaving Jordan (does not generally apply when exiting through airports, but travellers on some budget airlines may be required to pay it).
Money Exchange
The Jordanian Dinar is fixed at a rate of JOD 0.709 against USD 1.
Spending Money
It is difficult to say how much spending money you should bring as each person is different! However, you'll need some cash for any meals not included in the itinerary, plus snacks, drinks, gifts etc.
Emergency Funds
It is a good idea to have access to extra funds in case of any emergency (urgent healthcare / travel costs etc.). This is highly unlikely, of course, but best to be prepared.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance (and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number) has been seen by your trip leader. If your insurance is provided through your credit card, your tour leader will require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt or credit card statement) with the credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Emergency Contact
In case of an emergency Terhaal's Amman Office can be reached on -
+962(0)77 751 5919
+962(0)79 879 5680
+962(0)79 778 4433
+962(0)79 5536351
Alternatively you can email [email protected]
Your Fellow Travelers
Group trips entail all the pleasures and occassionally some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travelers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the group's needs and preferences. Patience and flexibility really help to create a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Please remember that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, please don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and again that the best trips are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Many thanks in advance!
Responsible Travel
We believe in low impact or ‘positive impact' tourism. Broadly speaking, this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit, while maximising the positive aspects of the encounter. Jordan is a small country with few natural resources. Water scarcity is a big issue in the region, so please go easy on the water. Terhaal designs these tours in a way that maximizes benefits for local communities. Whenever possible we hire local staff in the areas where we operate, and our guests stay in locally owned hotels. We also include some volunteering activities where appropriate, such helping farmers to harvest their olives. Terhaal also contributes towards efforts that strengthen environmental advocacy and the environmental education of Jordan's children.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make your destinations such special places. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession. It is also unsafe to drink alcohol while out hiking / cycling, so please wait until you're back at the hotel to enjoy a drink.
Feedback
After your trip we hope you will send us your photos and any stories or feedback you may have. Your feedback not only helps us to improve the trips, but also helps other travelers to decide on the right tour for them. We would appreciate it if you could take a couple of minutes to complete our feedback form, just follow this link: http://www.terhaal.com/feedback-form
Our blog
Our blog - ‘Treks & Trails of Jordan' - is a collection of stories posted by a variety of people that reflect the natural, environmental and cultural aspects of Jordan. It is also a great way to give feedback and to share your Jordan experience with others. All you need to do is write one or two paragraphs about your trip with Terhaal, attach some photos if available and send it to us at this email: team[at]terhaal.com
You can find the blog here -
blog.terhaal.com
Single Travelers
Our trips are designed with shared accommodation in mind whereby single travelers are paired with individuals of the same sex in twin shared accommodation. Forced singles are free of charge.
Single accommodation is available on request pending availability.